ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Secretary, DePWD Participated In 22nd Session of UN Committee on CRPD at Geneva
India is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities . It ratified this Convention on 01-10-2007 in pursuance of Article 35 of the Convention. India submitted its First Country Report on Status of Disability in India in November 2015.
The UN Committee on CRPD in its 22nd Session took up India’s First Country Report for consideration during 2nd & 3rd September 2019 at UNHRC, Geneva. An Indian delegation headed by Mrs. Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD deposed before the UN Committee during the process of consideration of the report.
Secretary, DEPwD highlighted various initiatives taken by the Government in the recent past for inclusion and empowerment of PwDs in line with the obligations under UNCRPD. She specifically drew attention of the UN Committee on enactment of the Comprehensive RPwD Act, 2016, launch of Accessible India Campaign, establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation  to address issues concerning psycho-social disability, establishment of Centre for Disability Sports, achievements in distribution of aids and assistive devices, etc.
The UN Committee while appreciating the provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016 and various initiatives of the Government of India raised queries relating to implementation of the provisions of the Act, measures taken/being taken by the Government to improve data, prohibit discrimination, especially amongst ethnic/religious minority groups, rehabilitation of internal displaced groups, protection from exploitation, protection of reproductive rights etc. The issues with regard to legal capacity of PwDs and the redressal mechanism for any violations under RPwD Act, 2016 were also discussed.
The Indian delegation replied to the queries raised by the UN Committee based on the constitutional provisions, provisions under the RPwD Act, other relevant laws and the affirmative actions so far taken in this regard. With reference to a query relating to J&K, the Secretary, DEPwD categorically stated that J&K is an integral part of India and the Government has taken adequate steps to make available medical facilities to all its citizens of J&K. She also highlighted the steps taken by the Government to protect the reproductive rights of all its citizens including women with disabilities.
The UN Committee welcomed the efforts of the Government of India and noted the response of the Indian delegation. The Committee will come up with its final recommendations on the report shortly.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Applying metaverse for deep science is important for economic growth: Dr. Saraswat
The importance of applying new technologies for deep science was highlighted by Dr. V K Saraswat, Member, Science & Technology, NITI Aayog & former Chairman, TIFAC Governing Council at the 36th Foundation Day Celebrations of TIFAC today.
“Rather than being the reason behind loss of employment, new technologies or metaverse can help economic growth if it is used for deep science and for agricultural forecasting, disease forecasting, and so on. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and so on need to be integrated with statistics to give better forecasts about agriculture, health, and so on, so that proper planning can be done in time,” Dr. Saraswat said at the TIFAC programme.
He added that as we move into the 6th wave of innovation for sustainable technology development, we need to focus on the circular economy, green tech and increase India’s manufacturing base.
Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, who delivered the TIFAC Day lecture, talked about reforms in education and rethinking of exam patterns that will help develop multidisciplinary abilities as specified in the new National Education Policy 2020 .
The Technology Vision 2047, Technology Assessment and Mentoring towards showcasing technologies from startups , and Tech Exchange Platform were launched while the WISE Internship in IPR was announced, and the TIFAC Report – Decarbonization Roadmap was released at the programme today.
The celebrations were attended by Dr. Pradeep Srivastava, Executive Director TIFAC, DST officials and other dignitaries.
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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment meets a delegation of Para-athletes at Jammu today
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr.Virendra Kumar meets a delegation of para-athletes  and their coaches here today at Jammu.
The two judokas, Vishal Khajuria and RakhshindaMehak are going to compete in the 1st World Deaf Judo Championship at Versailles France, scheduled from October 27 this year. Both the players have been gold medallists for 8 and 10 times respectively. Vishal has also been 3-time National Best Judo Player, while Rakhshinda was awarded Best Judo Player in 2019.
The Minister said that the extraordinary performance of Indian sportspersons at the recent Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have filled the nation with pride and given greater hopes for future events. The Government has been giving significant attention to improve sports infrastructure, facilities and culture in the country, said the Minister. The recent feat of 19 Para athletes winning medals in the Tokyo Paralympics games is a result of development in sports, he added.
The judokas were encouraged to give their best in their upcoming championship and were told that the entire nation has their hopes pinned on them.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan was also present on the occasion. The Advisor also lauded the achievements of the two athletes and encouraged them to up their game and garner accolades internationally. He assured extended support and facilities from the UT government for the sport.
MG/RNM
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR Signs an MoU for S&T-led Development of Union Territory of Ladakh
Different CSIR Institutes will initiate R&D, extension and societal projects based on their core competencies
Focus on commercialization of endemic & other high value medicinal, aromatic and nutraceutical plants/crops, bio prospection of endemic microbial and plants diversity
Geophysical mapping, eco-friendly leather processing and microbiological & biotechnological interventions are some of the other areas of focus
An agreement was signed between CSIR and Ladakh UT to accelerate its development through S&T interventions. The MoU was signed by Dr. D. Srinivas Reddy, Director, CSIR-IIIM on behalf of CSIR and Sh. Rigzin Samplel  Commissioner Secretary Agriculture and Horticulture from Ladakh UT. The purpose is to establish knowledge partnership between the Ladakh UT and CSIR, aimed at development in the areas such as bioresource utilization endemic to Ladakh, introduction of cash crops in the region and exploration of natural resources.
Different CSIR Institutes will initiate R&D, extension and societal projects based on their core competencies. In first phase, six Institutes viz. CSIR-IIIM, CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-NBRI, CSIR-NGRI, CSIR-CMERI and CSIR-CLRI will provide extensive knowledge and technological support with CSIR-IIIM, Jammu as nodal institution. The broad areas of interest include industrial agriculture with a focus on commercialization of endemic & other high value medicinal, aromatic and nutraceutical plants/crops, bio prospection of endemic microbial and plants diversity. Geophysical mapping, eco-friendly leather processing and microbiological & biotechnological interventions are some of the other areas of focus.DG-CSIR, Dr Shekhar C Mande emphasized that CSIR is committed to S&T led development of Ladakh and the MoU is a step forward towards this objective.
Earlier, CSIR has made significant contributions to the region by setting up the CSIR-Centre of Excellence for High Altitude Natural Sciences and establishment of experimental and demonstration farms of different medicinal, aromatic and nutraceutical plants/ crops of Ladakh. Demonstrating its commitment to the region, during the Covid-19 pandemic, CSIR is augmenting the COVID-19 testing at Leh and Kargil by providing equipment and trained technical manpower which is being supported by the Sun Pharma through their CSR funding.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centre revises Wheat Stock limit from 3000 MT to 2000 MT for Traders/Wholesalers and Big Chain Retailers
All Wheat stocking entities to register in wheat stock limit portal and update the stock position every Friday
Close monitoring enforcement of Wheat stock limits by Centre and State to ensure no artificial scarcity of wheat
In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India imposed stock limits on the Wheat applicable to Traders/Wholesaler, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors for all States and Union Territories. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs  Order, 2023 was issued on 12 June 2023 and applicable until 31st March 2024 for all States and Union Territories.
To soften the prices of Wheat which are showing an increasing trend, Central Government has decided to revise the Wheat Stock limit from 3000 MT to 2000 MT with respect to Traders/Wholesalers and Big Chain Retailers as under:
- Traders/Wholesaler- 2000 MT;
- Big Chain Retailer- 10 MT for each outlet and 2000 MT at all their depots
For other categories, there is no change in stock limits. All wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal  and update the stock position on every Friday. Any entity which is found to have not registered on the portal or violates the stock limits will be subject to suitable punitive action under Section 6 & 7 of Essential Commodities Act,1955.
In case the stocks held by above entities are higher than the above prescribed limit, they shall have to bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of issue of the notification. Officials of Central and State Governments will be closely monitoring enforcement of these stock limits to ensure that no artificial scarcity of wheat is created in the country.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is maintaining a close watch over the stock position of Wheat to control prices and ensure easy availability in the country.
Ministry of Finance
RBI Gangtok Hosts 14th Empowered Committee Meeting on MSME for Sikkim, Highlighting Remarkable Credit Flow Progress
The Reserve Bank of India , Gangtok, convened the 14th Meeting of the Empowered Committee on MSME for Sikkim on August 21, 2023 in Gangtok to review the flow of credit to the MSME sector for the quarter ending June 2023.
The meeting was chaired by Shri Kishore Pariyar, Regional Director  of RBI Gangtok and attended by Shri S K Gupta, General Manager  of NABARD, Sikkim; Shri N. K. Singh, GM-cum-SLBC Convener; officials from the Department of Commerce & Industries; SIDBI; Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development ; along with 12 General Managers, and 4 Deputy General Managers of various banks operating in Sikkim were present at the meeting.
In his opening address, Shri Kishore Pariyar, RD, RBI Gangtok, emphasized the pivotal role played by the MSME sector in fostering the inclusive growth of the Indian economy. He commended the banks for their consistent growth in providing financial support to the MSME sector within the state of Sikkim.
The meeting unveiled significant achievements within the MSME sector for the quarter ending June 30, 2023. Notably, lending under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme  surged by an impressive 84.80% during the quarter ending June 30, 2023, marking substantial growth from the previous quarter ending March 31, 2023. Highlighting the sector's strong performance, banks showed impressive progress by achieving a 9.61% Year-on-Year  increase in Micro accounts under the PM Task Force on MSME Lending. This growth came close to reaching the desired target of 10% Y-o-Y growth. Additionally, the commitment of banks to MSME lending was evident in a 21.03% Year-on-Year increase in outstanding credit to the Micro and Small Enterprises  sector, surpassing the set annual target of 20%. The prevalence of Micro Enterprises was a focal point, constituting 69.38% of total credit distribution to Micro and Small Enterprises, exceeding the 60% target set by the PM Task Force on MSME Lending.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala,Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra with purchase of 298.74LMTs of paddy up to 22.11.2020 against the last year corresponding purchase of 253.85 LMT showing an increase of 17.68 % over last year. Out of the total purchase of 298.74 LMT, Punjab alone has contributed 201.99 LMT which is 67.61 % of total procurement.
About 26.30 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 56402.42 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 45.10 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 22.11.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 71816.04 MT of Moong, Urad, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.388.40 Crores benefitting 41543 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan as against the last year corresponding purchase of 65850.05 MT which is an increase of 9.06% for pulses and oilseeds.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Naduupto 22.11.2020 as against the last year corresponding purchase of 293.34 MT of copra. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra, Gujarat,Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 22.11.2020 a quantity of 2102116 cotton bales valuing Rs.6440.28 Crore has been procured benefitting 419634 farmers.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Breast Milk Banks
As per the “National Guidelines on Establishment of Lactation Management Centres in Public Health Facilities”, Breast Milk Banks in India are known as Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres  and Lactation Management Unit , depending on the level of health facilities where these units are established. The national guidelines with operational and technical guidance on establishment of Lactation Management Centres in public health facilities have been shared, and funding support is provided to the States and UTs for the same as per proposals received in their Annual Programme Implementation Plans.
The foremost endeavour of the health care providers in a health centre is to conserve the natural act of breastfeeding. Lactation Management Centres are in no way intended to lessen the importance of mother’s own milk or the practice of breastfeeding. If mother’s own milk is insufficient or not available for any unavoidable reason, Donor Human Milk  is the next best alternative to bridge the gap.
The Minister of State , ShAshwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Japan on Development of Advanced Model Single Window
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Japan on Development of Advanced Model Single Window.
Benefits:
The MoU would lead to cooperation between India and Japan on the development of ‘Advanced Model Single Window’ and its operationalization in Central and State Governments in India for taking administrative procedures necessary for business operations, and to develop a structure in which those procedures are completed in an expeditious manner, so as to accelerate India’s effort to promote Ease of Doing Business in India. The ‘Advanced Model Single Window’ is based on the best practices in and outside India, with measurable parameters and identify possible obstacles for establishment of the Single Window in India. It will thus, facilitate investments.
PIB Headquarters
Regional cooperation key to boost fisheries in Afro-Asian nations: AARDO Secretary General
Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of African Asian Rural Development Organisation speaking at the valedictory of an international workshop-cum-training organised by CMFRI.
Regional cooperation between African Asian countries is vital to improve the fisheries sector in respective countries, said Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of African Asian Rural Development Organisation .
“Fisheries sector has high potential to change the lives of the people in many African Asian countries. The sector can play a vital role in the economic development these nations”, he said. He was speaking at the valedictory of an international workshop-cum-training organised by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute  under the auspices of the AARDO.
Urging the scientists and professionals working in the sector to seek regional collaborations for the betterment of the fisheries, he said that focusing on value addition would help transform the lives of coastal communities. “The member countries of AARDO can earn benefits by connecting together, transforming technologies and through exchange schemes”, he added.
The AARDO Secretary General appreciated CMFRI for the smooth conduct of the training programme for the member countries for the third consecutive years and he expressed his willingness to cooperate with the CMFRI in the coming years too.
The workshop was aimed at imparting training on a range of topics such as marine fisheries assessment, fish stock estimation, marine fisheries environment, impact of climate change on fisheries, responsible fisheries and mariculture activities.
Fisheries officials from Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Oman, Morocco, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius, Malaysia and Sri Lanka attended the 15-day workshop at the CMFRI. The programme was part of an international collaboration between the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India and the AARDO, which is an inter-governmental organisation in the field of agricultural and rural development with its headquarters in New Delhi.
Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI presided over the function. Dr C N Ravi Shankar, Director of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology was the chief guest at the function. Dr Imelda Joseph and Somi Kuriakose spoke on the occasion.
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Ministry of Defence
Pune Terriers celebrates 73rd Territorial Army Day on 09 oct 2022
101 Infantry Bn  MARATHA LI, The “PUNE TERRIERS” celebrated 73rd Territorial Army Day on 09 Oct 2022. On the solemn occasion Col Manish Priyadarshan, Commanding Officer paid tribute to the fallen brave hearts in service of this great nation followed by a blood donation camp, organised in collaboration with Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Pune. 101 personals of the unit donated blood. Also, a tree plantation drive was org at the unit location, wherein fifty fruit bearing trees were planted.
The Territorial Army came into existence when the Territory Army Act was enacted on 18 Aug 1948. It was formally raised by the first Governor General Shri C Rajagopalachari on 09 Oct 1949, which has since been celebrated as Territorial Army Day.
Over last 73 years, Territorial Army has shown exemplary professionalism and bravery while contributing immensely in wars of 1962, 1965, 1971 and also in countering terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir & North East. They have also been instrumental in serving the nation in peace time in carrying out relief work during natural calamities and similar emergency situations.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Depression over northwest Bay of Bengal off north Odisha – West Bengal coasts
 and about 130 km south-southeast of Digha . It is very likely to intensify into a Deep Depression during next 24 hours. It is very likely to move west northwestwards across Odisha - West Bengal coasts during next 48 hours.
Warning  Rainfall:
o Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls  very likely over Odisha on 6th and 7th August. Light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy and extremely heavy falls very likely over south Chhattisgarh during the same period. Light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls are also very likely over Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand during 6th and 7th August 2019.
o Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places very likely over Madhya Pradesh on 6th August and light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls with isolated extremely heavy falls  very likely over Madhya Pradesh on 7th and 8th August.
 Wind Warning: Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph very likely along and off West Bengal- Odisha Coasts during next 48 hours. Strong winds speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph are also very likely over interior areas of Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand on 7th August.
 Sea Condition: State of Sea will be rough to very rough over north Bay of Bengal and along & off Odisha - West Bengal Coasts on 6th and 7th August and also over adjoining central Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours.
 Fishermen Warning: Fishermen are advised not to venture into northwest Bay of Bengal and along and off Odisha and West Bengal coasts during next 48 hrs.